Two women found dead in nursing home

Police began a murder investigation yesterday after the bodies of two women were found in a bedroom they shared in a nursing home.

The residents, one in her late 50s and the other in her early 70s, were discovered by members of staff at the Hayes Park residential nursing home in Rowlatts Hill, Leicester, in the early hours. They have not been named.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident, police said last night. They have refused to elaborate on whether there had been a break-in which led to the murders, but urged people living nearby and those looking after elderly people to remain vigilant and to keep doors and windows locked.

Police would not say if the staff who made the discovery at 4am did so during regular checks, or if they had been alerted to a possible incident.

Detective Superintendent Chris Thomas, of Leicestershire police, said: "Two of the workers at the home went to a room and found two women residents dead. As a result, we have launched a murder inquiry and are carrying out a detailed examination of the home and inquiries in the area. It is too early to comment on the cause of death, but a postmortem examination is due to take place tonight to help us establish what happened."

Hayes Park, cordoned off by police last night, is in a cul-de-sac, surrounded by conifers, just outside Leicester city centre. It has 49 residents, elderly people and people with physical disabilities, dementia and learning difficulties

A tent set up by forensics officers could be seen outside last night and officers searched the grounds. Mr Thomas said: "We are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry, and I would appeal for anyone with information to contact us."

A police source said staff were being treated as witnesses and no arrests had been made.

Relatives of the two women were informed of their deaths yesterday morning and were being comforted by family liaison officers last night.